The Hurricanes might be seasoned pros in rugby union, but when it comes to Aussie Rules, they could still use a few pointers.

Link to Photos from the match

World Footy News Story

TVNZ footage

In slightly wet conditions at Elsdon Park, Porirua, the Hurricanes squad went down 53-37 to a Wellington Tigers AFL selection. The union boys, currently suffering their way through heavy pre-season training, were understandably sluggish. Hampered by a poor knowledge of the australian code, they were penalised off the park in the first few minutes, until the umpires decided to adopt a lenient approach more suited to such a gala match.

                                        Nonu under pressure from Josh Hema

Once released from all but the most basic of AFL rules, the 'Canes came into their own, throwing their gymmed-up physiques around the park in search of some much-needed physical contact. They soon had the smaller Tigers looking over their shoulders with worried brows as they scanned for incoming props.

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Manawatu Standard Link

Facing them was a slightly disheveled looking Wellington side that had been pulled together from the various club sides, currently off-season. Many of the AFL players, also rugby players over the winter, embraced the heavy-hitting confrontation. The result was that at times, the game resembled more of a league-style bodycheck-fest with players flying in from all over, and little attention being paid to the ball itself. Enough to dismay any purist AFL onlookers, but a style of play well fitted to the Wellingtonian attitude in both Union and AFL -  where the biggest cheers from the crowd are always drawn by the big hits.

                                          Jimmy Kerse gets one away from Conrad Smith

When the ball did go to hand however, there was no doubt who was the experienced AFL side, with the Tigers slotting the odd goal with contemptuous ease. It took the Hurricanes a while to find their feet,but once they had a bit more of a feel for the game, they started to make their presence felt with a a few good marks, goals and team play. A few of the Super 14 players showed some AFL potential, among them Piri Weepu, Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison, Cory Jane, or Jimmy Gopperth.

The final quarter provided some good entertainment for the few hundred spectators
with some big tackles coming in from both sides. The 'Canes tackled the
Tigers in packs and but the Tigers gave back as much as they received. In the end the
AFL side held out, their superior skill and experience with the leather ball seeing them through for the win in  what was an altogether successful gala occasion.

                1st Q                  2nd Q                  3rd Q                 4th Q                Total
WAFL:         3.2                  4.4                          6.5                 8.5                 53
Canes           0.2                 2.4                          3.5                 5.7                 37